Here are two paintings that I recently( November2010 ) displayed in Gaborone (which is the capital of Botswana) at the
Thapong visual art center.The event which is held each year is for all the artists resident in Botswana.Each artist is able to display two works of art , and awards are also given to the best artist of the year, first ,second and third prizes are also given as well as a prize for the best young artist in Botswana.This was quite exiting for me as I decided to enter and travel by bus 1000 km from Maun to the event in Gaborone.It was well worth my effort and time, as I sold both paintings .The small painting (The little bird song) was sold to a private buyer and the big painting (Black oxen and cart) was bought by the
University of Botswana where it is now
displayed in one of their halls.I also unexpectedly received a monetary prize for the best young artist in
Botswana. So this was very
encouraging ,and I have been greatly motivated to keep creating .
Creating these to paintings took
a bit of thought since I had so many choices and ideas.However after going through my photos ,videos and sketches I finally made a decision. The
Little bird song was inspired by a video that my younger brother and sister made of two little girls dancing and singing in Tswana .The song was
entitled ,the song of the little bird .The hut and the boy watching from the bench was added to create a better
composition.
The black oxen and cart was based on a photo that a good friend of mine named Dean ,took near a small village in an isolated area called
Shorobe.This is the second painting I have done based on this photo , and I have a
commission to do another one just like it.Painting a subject for the second or third time needs much
discipline , as the
excitement of creating
something new for the first
time is lost.So I normally change the
composition quite a bit and add new elements so that I still have that
enjoyment when creating.The palm trees you see in the painting is typical for that area .The local people make
beautiful baskets from the palm leaves which are then adorned with colourful designs.Both paintings are done on canvas and are in oils.
The above photo is of the event which was held at Thapong Visual center in Gaborone ,where the opening speeches were being given.The red carpet was for the visiting dignitaries ,one of them the minister of youth and culture who also gave a speech.
Below is a photo of my 2 pieces of art work displayed ,if you look closely you will see, next to each title of the painting a red tab,denoting that they had been already sold.
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